Stearns Weaver Miller Tallahassee Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

Stearns Weaver Miller announced that 13 Tallahassee lawyers were recognized in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, eight of whom were recognized for the first time this year. Shareholder Reggie Bouthillier was also named “Lawyer of the Year” in Tallahassee for Land Use and Zoning Law. The “Lawyer of the Year” designation is awarded to individual attorneys with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region, with only one lawyer recognized within each specialty and location.

Best Lawyers is a rating service acknowledging outstanding lawyers in a particular city in each state. The list highlights the top 6% of private practicing attorneys in the United States who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made through a comprehensive statewide process that includes peer nominations and peer evaluations. The 2023 edition is based on more than 12.2 million evaluations and recognizes just over 71,000 attorneys. Additionally, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, consists of candidates who are earlier in their careers and have typically been in practice for 5-9 years.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, particularly in the criminal justice arena, digital tools are becoming just as essential as traditional legal strategies. Defendants facing serious charges now have to navigate a world where court proceedings are increasingly virtual, requiring their attorneys to be adept in both the law and the technology supporting it. In this space, a strong defense isn’t just about the legal arguments but also about effectively managing digital evidence, remote testimonies, and virtual hearings.

For lawyers working on high-stakes criminal cases, such as those recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, the integration of technology is paramount to ensuring a fair trial. BP Trial Tech Services plays a vital role in this process, providing advanced support to manage the complexities of virtual trials. From organizing digital evidence to facilitating secure virtual hearings, BP Trial Tech allows criminal defense teams to streamline their case preparation and ensure they can present the strongest defense, no matter where the courtroom may be. This seamless digital integration gives clients and their legal teams the ability to operate efficiently in a modernized judicial system, enhancing the chances of success in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Family cases may not involve the same digital complexities as criminal trials, but they still demand steady guidance and clear communication. Scott M. Brown & Associates supports clients through divorce, custody matters, and protective orders with a blend of traditional advocacy and modern efficiency. Their attorneys make it easy for families to stay connected through virtual meetings, streamlined document sharing, and consistent updates — all while offering access to multiple Texas family law office locations so clients can get help where it’s most convenient, not just where it’s closest.

What makes the firm stand out is how grounded their approach feels, even as the legal world evolves. They understand that family law isn’t simply about filings and hearings — it’s about protecting the relationships and responsibilities that shape everyday life. By pairing reliable, in-person guidance with tools that simplify the process, Scott M. Brown & Associates ensures clients feel supported from start to finish, no matter which office they walk into or how complex their situation becomes.

Recognized Attorneys & Practice Areas

Reggie Bouthillier

  • Land Use and Zoning Law (Lawyer of the Year)
  • Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation – Environmental
  • Environmental Law

Glenn Burhans, Jr.

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Cannabis Law
  • Commercial Litigation

Patricia Conners

  • Government Relations Practice

Carl Eldred

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Environmental Law

Kelly O’Keefe

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation – Real Estate

Gigi Rollini

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law

Bridget Smitha

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Commercial Litigation

Susan Stephens

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Natural Resources Law

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America

Felicia Kitzmiller

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Land Use and Zoning Law

Marco Paredes, Jr.

  • Government Relations Practice

Erin Tilton

  • Environmental Law
  • Land Use and Zoning Law

Robert Walters

  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Corporate Governance and Compliance Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar

About Stearns Weaver Miller
Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson is a full service law firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Coral Gables, Florida. We offer multidisciplinary solutions with a focus on Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights, Corporate & Securities, Government & Administrative, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Commercial Finance and Loan Restructuring & Workouts, Land Development, Zoning & Environmental, Marital & Family Law and Tax. For more information, please visit stearnsweaver.com.